What’s the secret ingredient to a happy, well-behaved puppy? Often, it’s the right treat! Those tiny paws deserve the very best fuel as they grow, but walking down the pet store aisle can feel like navigating a maze. You want to reward good behavior and teach new tricks, but the sheer volume of choices—from rawhide to grain-free—can be overwhelming and confusing.
Choosing the wrong treat can lead to upset tummies or unhealthy habits. Many new puppy parents worry about choking hazards, sugar content, or whether a treat is truly age-appropriate for their developing little one. It’s a common struggle: how do you find tasty rewards that are safe and nutritious?
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a puppy treat perfect. You will learn the essential ingredients to look for, what to avoid completely, and how to match the treat to your puppy’s specific training stage. Get ready to become a confident treat-picker!
Top Dog Treats Puppies Recommendations
- Contains one (1) 36 ounce canister of mini dog biscuits in 3 tasty flavors: beef, chicken and bacon
- Tasty mini dog treats prepared with care and right-sized for treating more often
- Crunchy texture helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up, perfect for sloppy doggie kisses
- Wholesome goodness at only 5 calories per treat with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Bone-shaped deliciousness that makes dog life more fun
- GRAIN-FREE PUPPY TREATS: These bite-sized, soft puppy training treats are the perfect reward during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior. Puppy bites contain 6 calories per individual treat!
- SUPPORTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Soft dog treats are crafted with salmon, a healthy source of DHA to promote healthy brain development.
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: These treats for dogs are made with minimal ingredients focused on quality proteins: made with lamb and salmon, with added vitamins specifically for puppies.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, or artificial colors.
- MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced ingredients. Treats are tender, healthy, and bite-sized for small, medium, and large dogs of all lifestages, and activity levels.
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient, plus DHA for cognitive development, making them the ideal reward for your puppy’s best behavior
- MEATY TRAINING TREATS: For puppies that love a meaty treat, Baby BLUE training dog treats are tender, bite-sized morsels that make them perfect for training
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats contain NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat and soy; Plus, they’re free of artificial preservatives and colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
- MADE IN THE USA - We proudly craft all Healthy Edibles dog chew treats in the United States
- VARIETY PACK - 3 long-lasting chew treats
- SPECIALLY MADE FOR PUPPIES - Healthy dog treats are highly digestible for growing pups
- MADE WITH ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS - These edible puppy bones are made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- GREAT FOR PUPPY TRAINING - Long-lasting dog chews encourage positive chewing habits
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- Contains one (1) 40 ounce package of small dog treats with real bone marrow
- The dog biscuit shell encases a real bone marrow center
- Crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside, our MaroSnacks dog snacks are a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- Savory treats with calcium, perfect for dogs of all sizes
- Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA, with colors from natural ingredients only
- Made In The Use!
- Helps Relieve Teething Pain And Soreness
- Edible and digestible
- Added Calcium For Healthy Teeth And Bones
- Fortified With Dhas Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Treats for Your Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! You want to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Treats are a big part of training and bonding. But with so many options, finding the right ones can be tricky. This guide helps you choose the best treats for your growing puppy.
Key Features to Look For
Good puppy treats should offer more than just a tasty reward. Look for these important features:
- **Size and Texture:** Treats must be small enough for tiny mouths. They should be soft or semi-soft. Hard treats can hurt new puppy teeth.
- **Nutritional Balance:** Treats should not be the main source of your puppy’s food. They should make up less than 10% of their daily calories. Look for added vitamins beneficial for growth.
- **Training Suitability:** Treats need to be easy to break apart. You want quick rewards during training sessions.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat matters most. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so ingredient quality is crucial.
Always check the label first. High-quality treats list real meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient. Chicken, turkey, or salmon are excellent choices.
Ingredients to Seek Out:
- **Whole Foods:** Ingredients like sweet potato, carrots, or blueberries offer natural goodness.
- **Omega Fatty Acids:** These help support healthy brain and coat development.
Ingredients to Avoid:
Some ingredients can cause stomach upset or offer no real nutrition. Steer clear of treats loaded with artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT. High amounts of corn, wheat, or soy are often fillers and should be minimized.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Treat quality directly impacts your puppy’s health.
Quality Boosters: Treats made in countries with strict food safety standards often boast higher quality. Treats that are limited-ingredient (fewer ingredients) are great for puppies with potential allergies.
Quality Reducers: Treats that crumble into dust easily are often low quality or overly processed. If the treat smells strongly of artificial ingredients rather than real food, its quality is reduced.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats affects which type you should buy.
Training Sessions: For quick rewards during puppy classes, use very small, soft, high-value treats. These keep the puppy focused immediately.
Chewing Needs: As puppies start teething, they need something slightly tougher to satisfy their urge to chew. Look for dental chews specifically designed for puppies, ensuring they are still soft enough not to damage gums.
Bonding Time: Larger, slow-to-eat treats are perfect for quiet bonding moments or crate training reinforcement. They keep the puppy occupied longer.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Puppy Treats
Q: How many treats should I give my puppy each day?
A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your puppy’s total daily food intake. Always check the package guidelines based on your puppy’s weight.
Q: When can I start giving my puppy treats?
A: You can start giving very small, soft treats as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually around 8 weeks old, for positive reinforcement.
Q: Are human foods safe to use as puppy treats?
A: Some are safe in small amounts, like plain cooked chicken or small pieces of carrot. However, many human foods like grapes, chocolate, and onions are toxic and must be avoided.
Q: What is the difference between puppy treats and adult dog treats?
A: Puppy treats usually have softer textures for developing teeth and contain added nutrients, like calcium and DHA, important for rapid growth.
Q: Should I worry about grain-free treats?
A: Grain-free is not always better. Unless your vet suggests it due to an allergy, balanced grain options are fine. Focus more on the quality of the main protein source.
Q: Can treats cause puppies to gain too much weight?
A: Yes. If you give too many treats without cutting back on their regular meal size, your puppy will easily become overweight.
Q: How do I know if a treat is too hard for my puppy?
A: If you cannot easily press the treat between your thumb and forefinger, it is too hard for a young puppy’s mouth.
Q: What are the best treats for teething puppies?
A: Look for soft, pliable dental chews designed specifically for puppies. Cold washcloths or frozen carrots can also soothe sore gums.
Q: How do I transition to new treats without upsetting my puppy’s stomach?
A: Introduce new treats slowly over several days. Mix a few new treats with their old favorites, gradually increasing the new amount.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats better than baked treats?
A: Freeze-dried treats retain more nutrients because they are processed less. They are often excellent, high-quality options for training rewards.